General News

"Hannibal" Proves Second Is Best

The long-awaited sequel to 1991's "The Silence of the Lambs" grossed $35.5 million this weekend and continued its box office reign for a second week. As the first movie of 2001 to reach the $100 million mark, the thriller earned over $110 million after only 11 days and has already grossed $140 million worldwide.

Action movies usually make a strong showing when it comes to sequels. "Mission: Impossible 2" took in $215 million compared to the original's $181 million. "Die Hard 2" brought in $115 million while the original grossed $81 million.

Many comedies become popular enough to practically guarantee a successful sequel. The first "Austin Powers" movie earned $54 million overall while the sequel, "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me," eventually took in $206 million and even out-grossed the original in its first weekend. "Toy Story 2" collected $246 million while the first finished with $192 million.

Apparently, "Hannibal" is continuing the tradition of sequels that out-gross the originals. "The Silence of the Lambs" earned $130.7 million, and the sequel has already eclipsed that amazing figure. Larry Gleason, president of distribution at MGM, predicts that the thriller should end up in the $190 million-$200 million range. With audiences hungry for "Hannibal," there's no telling how much the movie will earn as everyone keeps lining up to get their fill of fear.